A training aircraft crashed in Baramati, Maharashtra, on Tuesday, months after a similar incident involving a plane carrying Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. The aircraft, a two-seater trainer, went down in an open field near the Baramati airport, according to officials.
Details of the Crash
The incident occurred around 11:30 am when the aircraft, operated by a local flying club, was on a routine training sortie. The pilot, identified as Captain Rohan Deshmukh, was the sole occupant and escaped with minor injuries. He was rushed to a nearby hospital and is reported to be stable.
Eyewitnesses reported seeing the aircraft sputtering before it nosedived into the field. Fire tenders and rescue teams quickly reached the spot, but no fire broke out. The aircraft was extensively damaged.
Previous Incident Involving Ajit Pawar
This crash comes months after a plane carrying Ajit Pawar made an emergency landing in Baramati due to a technical glitch. In that incident, the aircraft, a private jet, landed safely without any injuries. The back-to-back incidents have raised concerns about aviation safety in the region.
Investigation Underway
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has ordered an inquiry into the crash. Preliminary reports suggest a possible engine failure, but a detailed investigation will determine the exact cause. The flying club has suspended all training flights pending the probe.
Local authorities have cordoned off the crash site, and the aircraft's flight data recorder has been recovered for analysis.
Reactions
Ajit Pawar, who represents the Baramati constituency, expressed relief that there were no fatalities. In a statement, he said, "I am thankful that the pilot is safe. We will ensure all safety protocols are reviewed." The opposition has demanded a thorough investigation into the growing number of aviation incidents in the state.
The crash has also sparked discussions about the maintenance standards of training aircraft. Aviation experts have called for stricter oversight of flying clubs and training schools.
As the investigation continues, the focus remains on preventing future accidents and ensuring the safety of pilots and passengers alike.
